Sustainable Development Fund (SDF)

What is the Sustainable Development Fund ?

The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) was set up by Welsh Assembly Government in 2001 as part of its ongoing support for protected landscapes (National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and sustainable development. The Fund’s main aim is to support and promote a more sustainable way of life in these special areas.

Sustainability

The Sustainable Development Fund provides grant aid for innovative environmental, economic and community projects that develop and test new ways of achieving a more sustainable way of life within the AONB.

Sustainable development has four themes: 

• Environmental
• Economic
• Cultural
• Social

“Sustainability” is about balancing current environmental, social and economic requirements with the need to protect the environment and the interests of future generations.

Grants and Grant Rates

SDF will provide project grants, management grants to support staff costs and development grants to provide a catalyst for new action or partnerships. Funding will normally be set at between 50% and 75% of the total project cost but possibly more in some exceptional circumstances.

Applicants will be expected to provide at least 25% of the total project costs, either from their own money or those of other grant funds. Officers from the AONB Unit can provide details of possible match funding sources.